Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-06-23
Gales aud Sketthts.
ENGLISH MARRIAGES.
THE ESTABLISHED CUSTOMS SURROUND
ING HAPPY EVENT.

Quite an interesting subject is that
which pertains to London weddings. The
history of wedding customs, the folk lore,
the observances-these form most tasci-
mating chapter to the student of men and
manners in this historic old metropolis,
The word wedding" is Anglo Saxon and
means "a pledge" this pledge being a
ring. and the circle of gold is bestowed
by the man to signify that be will perform
his part Of the contract. The old English
wedding ring is an exceedingly narrow,
almost thread-like band of gold. Guinea
gold, as that of deep yellow hue is called.
is the metal used. Each ring is marked
inside with the symbols of the gold
smiths hall; hence the expression hall
marked" gold or silver
When a Young woman here is about to
marry, if she be not married at regis
trar's office, her bans are called in church
on three successive Sundays. She must
be called in church, else the contract will
have to be ratified by the registrar. A
residence in the parish of some weeks is
necessary to entitle the contracting par
ties to have the ceremony performed in
the parish church. II the man and the
woman live in different parishes, the bans
of each must be called at the same time
in their respective parishes. 1t is re-
garded as unlucky for prospective bride
and groom to hear their own bans read
out They must, however. each be repre-
sented by a friend.
| Until very lately weddings always took
place in the morning, or at high noon.
save by special license. The ceremony is
| always performed in church, although the
| Jews of London solemnize the rites either
in the synagogue or at the home
of the bride. Any one who chooses
may enter the church and witness
the ceremony, but it is usual to invite the
intimate friends of the family to accom-
pany the bridal party to the church. The
custom of bridesmaids is more general
here than even in America but, save
among very wealthy people. the costumes
| on these occasions are plain, either light
silk or travelling dress. Flowers, as in
America, are present in more or less pro-
| fusion. Notwithstanding the nearness of
| the warm countries of the Continent and
cheapness OF their blossoms when sent
| here natural orange blossoms are not
much used by the middle classes. White
| llacs are more favored as BRIDES blossoms
| The veil is nearly always worn. No
matter what the dress may be, the bridal
veil is looked upon as prime essential.
| If there be property on both sides or on
either side settlements are made through
the medium of the respective family
solicitors of the parties. An old English
custom, still in vogue among high and
low alike, makes it imperative that the
bride shall take her household linen to her
intended lord While he furnishes the
house she provides the linen, which
naturally varies in quality and quantity
with her pecuniary position. An English
girl. however humble her position may
be. regards this provision of linen as a
sacred duty from her childhood up. 1t is
considered womanly obligation.
When the marriage ceremonies have
been concluded and the books signed in
the vestrv room, fee is paid to the parish
clerk, to be shared with the vicar. with q
small gratuity to.the parish beadle. This
fee may be as large as generosity will
permit, but it should be at least Is shillings
though where there is poverty. it may be
ds low as 3 shillngs, but not lower. on
leaving the church the friends
assembled shower the newly wedded
couple with rice and slippers
If the bride weep copiouslv it is re
| garded as a good omen, while it is con
| sidered an evil omen il she do not weep
In the good old days, when witchcraft was
a matter OF common belief. it was said tina,
a witch could only shed three tears from
her lett eye. Therefore, to weep copiously
from both eyes was ample proof that the
bride was not given over to Satan and his
ways.
As the bridal party leave the church
there is in waiting special carriage tor
the bride. called bride coach" 1t is
quite sumptuous affair. with plenty OF
plate glass. In fact, the entire front of
the body is of glass. The fittings inside
are of elaborate white satin. All these
customs are, of course. those of the
middle classes. While the same customs
to certain extent prevail everywhere
here. great wealth sometimes makes decid-
ed changes in the mode of procedure.
Arrived at home there is the traditional
old English breakfast spread, now honored
more in the breach than in the observance.
This breakfast is in effect dinner, al
though the feast is usually a cold one
game of all kinds, wines, fruits, salads,
buildings, etc and in the centre of the
table the brides cake, portions of which
are later on sent to the various friends OF
both parties. The bride alone must cut
the cake, thus beginning the feast. But
the cake has already been stabbed in
slight preparation for the cuttings by the
bride. For the bride to keep bit of the
cake is said to be ''lucky." Tradition has
it that the Queen of England has still il
her possession a goodly portion of hel
wedding cake. Directly the cake is Gu
the father. or the one nearest of kin to tn,
bridegroom, makes congratulatory
speech to the bride. The reply is made
for her by her newly made husband
Then other speeches follow until the hou
approaches tor the couple to depart OF
honeymoon tour. The latter, if only foI
two DAYS at Margate or Ramsgate. the,
invariably take.
Wedding presents are shown on table,
in the drawing room during the progress:
of the wedding breakfast. Silver articles
are always in the ascendant. The groom
present to the bride is oftenest jewels
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